Overview
The Char Dham is a set of four pilgrimage sites in India. It is believed that visiting these sites helps achieve moksha. The four Dhams are, Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri and Rameswaram. It is believed that every Hindu should visit the Char Dhams during one's lifetime.
Nestled among the serene heights of the great Himalayas are four pilgrim-destinations namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, collectively known as Char Dham. These pilgrimage centers draw the maximum numbers of pilgrims each year, thus becoming the most important hubs of religious travel in the whole of Northern India. Traditionally, the pilgrimage begins from the West and ends in the East. Thus, the Char Dham Yatra commences from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Haridwar
Welcome to the abode of Hari through Haridwar. It is the entry point to the most religious places on Earth. Char Dham Yatra is the sacred pilgrimage where tonnes of devotees come to the mountains to celebrate their devotion. Once you leave your home for the Yatra Haridwar is your next big stop. You will commence the rest of the Yatra from here. So, get settled in your hotels, freshen up and get ready for spiritual experience.
While you are at Haridwar let's make the most out of it. You can visit all the famous temples namely Daksh Temple, Rudraksha Temple, Kankhal, Jain Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir etc. Har Ki Pauri is the world-famous and crowded ghat on the river Ganges, where evening aarti is an eye-treat. Do not forget to pray in front of Chanda Devi. The temple is regarded as the 'Seedha Peetha' which means that wishes come true. The idol of Devi is believed to be installed by Adi Shankaracharya.
Day 2: Haridwar - Barkot (210kms/7-8hr) HT : 1352 MTS.
This day will also be a long ride to higher religious entry point Barkot. Barkot (1352 meters) is a town in Uttarkashi District, located on the banks of the Yamuna river. It is a big town in Yamunotri Dham. After Ganga Snan and breakfast get ready for this long journey. The ride passes through Mussoorie and Kempty Falls. Both are popular tourists places and hill stations. It is recommended to have lunch near Kempty falls as good restaurants are not available henceforth.
With enthusiasm, you will arrive at Barkot in the evening. You will be surprised by the scenic beauty of this place. Located at the confluence of Yamuna and Tons rivers, there are apple orchards, panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains of Bandar Poonch - it is a stunning place. Barkot is an important stopover to Yamunotri and Gangotri among the four Char Dham Pilgrimages.
Day 3: Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot {36kms drive & 6kms Trek (one side)} HT : 3291 MTS.
Today is the biggest day as you will touch the first Dham, Yamnotri. Start your morning by a short drive to Jankichatti/Phoolchatti. Once you arrive here, the hike to Yamnotri which is 6 km far begins. The trek is through the lush valley, dense conifers, rhododendrons, cacti and numerous Himalayan shrubs. Yamunotri is the origin of River Yamuna, highly revered place situated in the north of Uttarakhand. The Yamunotri Glacier at elevation, of 6,387 metres is the source of river Yamuna. The real source is Champasar Glacier closer to the temple.
Yamnotri is another pleasant spot with many options for sight-seeing. One of the significant is Surya Kund which amongst several hot springs in the area. Many pilgrims carry rice in a cloth and dip in the hot water. The cooked and steamed rice is then treated as "prasad" and offered to Divya Shila of the temple. The Shila is a rock pillar that is worshipped before stepping in the temple.
After hot water dips and peaceful mind, it is time to return to Barkot through the same route.
Day 04: Barkot - Uttarkashi (90kms/4hr) HT :1352 MTS.
From Barkot today you will visit the hub of adventures and spirituality, Uttarakashi. It is the renowned district of Uttarakhand where mountaineers, hikers and pilgrims come every year for their mountain endeavour. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) is located in Uttarakashi along with a variety of ashrams and temples. The town is considered comparable to Varanasi which is also on the banks of river Ganges.
One of the pious temples is the Vishwanath temple believed to be the oldest one. It was redeveloped by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in 1857. The entire temple is a huge site which comprises of other shrines of Markandeya Rishi, Ganpati and Sakshi Gopal. While you are at the premises take full advantage of the Akhand Abhishek and Akhand Jyoti. They are of prime importance and bring happiness. If you believe the literature of Skanda Puran, Uttarkashi is home of Lord Shiva for Kaliyug and it is also part of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Day 5: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Uttarkashi (100kms/3-4 each side) HT : 3048 MTS.
Wake up with new vigour as today you will be witnessing the next Dham of the Char Dhams, Gangotri. Gangotri is by far world's eminent tourists and religious destination. With mountaineers, adventurers, trekkers and pilgrims visiting in thousands, this is the most acclaimed place of the Indian Himalayas.
Along the way at Gangnani take the chance to bathe in Garam Kund. Henceforth the landscapes get mesmerising as you pass through Harsil valley with Deodar trees bloomed everywhere. Again at Gangotri wash away your sins and tiredness by taking a dip in the holy Ganga. Ganga river here is also called Bhagirathi. The revered Gangotri temple on the river banks was built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century.
Day 6: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (220kms/8-9hr) HT : 1319 MTS.
From Uttarkashi, the next celebrated stop is Guptkashi. The route is extremely tranquil through Moolgarh and Lambgoan. Also, the sight of beautiful Mandakini river at Tilwara is serene. The water body follows from Kedarnath (which you will be visiting soon). The path to Guptkashi goes side by side of the Mandakini river.
From the name Guptkashi you might have guessed, it means "hidden Varanasi". As per the Puranas when Pandavas were trying to reconcile with Lord Shiva for heaven. The Pandavas though they had sinned killing their own brothers. So, they came searching for Lord Shiva and Shiva concealed himself at Gupt Kashi. Later Shiva escaped to Kedarnath where Pandavas found him. Some people say hereditary priests stay in Gupt Kashi in winters when the Kedarnath temple is closed.
Day 07: Guptkashi - Kedarnath (30kms by road & 16 kms Trek)
Option 1- Today will be a milestone of life as you will go to Kedarnath. There will be a medical check-up after which you will head to Sonprayag. From here you will hike up to Kedarnath. You can also take a pony or a doli.
Option 2-Take a Helicopter from Guptkashi/Fata -Kedarnath needs no introduction. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, a perfect Himalayan getaway with terrific historical and mythological prominence. More importantly, it is just a magnificent spot of beauty and serenity with Kedarnath range at the backdrop. Kedar is synonym name of Lord Shiva who both protector and the destroyer. As per the Mahabharata, the Pandavas after winning the war against Kauravas felt guilty for ending lives of their own brothers. They, therefore, wanted to take the blessing of Lord Shiva. He then escaped and hid in many places. When he finally appeared at Kedarnath. Kedarnath is also part of the Panch Kedar Yatra where parts of Shiva are believed to be found.
Day 8: Kedarnath – Guptkashi (19Kms Down Trek & 30kms/1hr by Road)
Early morning you get up before dawn and after taking bath you areat the temple by 4:45 am for the 'Abhishek’ to Kedarnath Shiva. Everyone can go inside Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostrate with your head touching the deity etc. After Temple Darshan trek down to Sonprayag. Further drive to Guptkashi. Check in Hotel. Night Halt.
Day 9: Guptkashi - Badrinath (215kms/7hr) HT : 3133 MTS.
The last but not the least, Badrinath is the final stop of the Char Dhaams. You will take a 7 hours long ride to Badrinath via Joshimath. It will also be your halting point for the day.
Not many know of the epic behind the name of Badrinath. The location is decored by wild berries, therefore, the name, "Badri van" or "forest of berries". At 3000 meters height, Badrinath is protected by Nar and Narayan mountains on sideways. This religious place is also filled with hot water springs of which Tapt and Narad kunds are popular. Tapt Kund is on Alaknanda river banks and it is compulsory to bath in this kind before stepping the Badrinath temple. Narad Kund is the pool where Badrinath idol was discovered.
Other attractions are Brahama Kamal (a platform where rituals for deceased are performed), Sheshnetra (it is boulder 1.5 km far that has an impression of a snake), Charanpaduka (another boulder 3 km far that has an impression of Vishnu's footprint), Maha Murty temple (this shrine dedicated to mother of Badrinath), Vasundhara (a waterfall, 5km from Badrinath) etc. Mana village near Badrinath is also of major importance as it houses other attractions like Bhim Pul and Vyas Gufa.
Day 10: Badrinath –Rudraprayag (160kms) / Kirtinagar (200kms)
Now it's the day to say goodbye to all the Dhams and head back home. The return journey follows a devotional path with Rudraprayag and Rishikesh on its way. Usually, the devotees take a quick bath in Taptkund before starting the return journey. You can capture the tourist locations of Mana village if you missed them yesterday.
Before Rudraprayag, you will again touch Joshimath. It is on the confluence of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. It is one of the four 'Maths' established by Adi Shankaracharya. One of the Panch Prayag or joining of Alaknanda is Rudraprayag. It is the convergence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Many tourists are coming for rafting and tea breaks here.
Day 11: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh- Haridwar (160kms/5hr) / Kirtinagar – Rishikesh (135kms/4hr)
The final destination is Rishikesh or the place of sages. It is an all-rounder town on the banks of river Ganga surrounded by green lower Himalayas. As the saga says, Raibhya Rishi did his meditation and God appeared using the name " Hrishikesh " therefore this adventure hub got its name. Rishikesh has become extremely amongst youth and adventure seekers for rafting and bungee jumping. Major attractions for sight-seeing are the Beatles ashram, Triveni Ghat and of course Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla.
Enjoy your night in the mighty mountain place of Rishikesh.
Visit Rishikesh Temples & Sight Seeing – Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla, Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, Shivananda Ashram.
Day 12: Depart to Home
How to Reach
By Air :-
Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Hire a cab to reach Dehradun City as the airport is 29 km away.
By Train :-
The Dehradun railway station is located in the centre of the city which is well connected to all the major cities of the country.
By Bus:-
Dehradun is easily accessible from major cities of the country as it has an excellent road connectivity with other major cities and towns of North India. There are state-run and private buses that offer a regular service.
Fitness Required for Char Dham Yatra
At high altitude as the air gets thinner oxygen becomes less abundant.The percentage saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen determines the content of oxygen in our blood. After the human body reaches around 2,100 m (7,000 feet) above sea level, the level of oxygen in our hemoglobin begins to plummet. However, the human body has both short-term and long-term adaptations to altitude that allow it to partially compensate for the lack of oxygen.
The Char Dham Yatra Trek is an easy trek suitable for first time trekker with basic fitness
Trekking Experience: Ideal trek for a beginner.
Fitness Required: The Valley of Flowers Trek falls in the category of Moderate treks. The trail is fairly laid out path and has very few steep ascends or descends. Water is available through out the trail. But still if you are thinking of your first big Himalayan trekking experience its better to be prepared. Here is the training schedule to prepare for the trek.
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